Free Ls1 Tuning Software Download
The EFILive office will be closed from Friday 22 nd December and reopen on Monday 8 th January 2018. (New Zealand time) VIN license orders will continue to ship automatically if the correct Serial Number and Auth Code are provided. These details can be found by following the knowledgebase article Orders requiring manual intervention will experience some delay. Our last dispatch of physical product for 2017 will be Wednesday 20 th December (New Zealand time).
Shipping will recommence on Monday 8 th January 2018. We would like to sincerely thank all of our Customers for a fantastic year. We look forward to bringing you many more features, and additional controller support in 2018.
I went with efilive. Very pricy but I guess I had no choice really. I liked the tunercat stuff and tc was always more than helpful. Even Craig Moates is one of the best guys out there!
But #1 I will not give jet anymore money! #2 even though I would rather give moates and tc my money it was just too much to go with the roadrunner combo for a mostly stock ls1 pisses me off I can't tell you how many times I helped stumped people with stuff and don't charge a thing. And yet those same people would run around on how slick they where and did it all by them selfs maybe some day it will be open for all again. Just wish I still had the freeware program still. I really hate to resurrect a dead and old thread but I'm actually wondering a few things about this. It seems today you have to 'pay to play' in the OBD2 world, with HPTuners and EFIlive and LS1Edit taking a vast majority of the marketshare when it comes to LS1 scanning and editing. I'm used to the OBD1 world where you didn't necessarily need the serial/usb converter box in between the cables and there was free software like TunerproRT.
I find it hard to believe that there is literally no freeware or DIY project on the internet regarding tuning LS1's PCMs for free. Does anyone know anything at all about finding the OLD freeware that was spoken about in this thread, or any new projects? I'll spend $500 on the equipment/software suite if I really have to.but I'd love to find a way to build my own cable/converter box and create my own open source software if possible.maybe incorporate things from HPT and EFILive that people like. In this day and age I feel like open source is a big deal and why can't we apply it to this scenario.
I've got a friend who is quite good at software and interfaces, I'll work with him in the meantime on a possible software suite, but I might need some info regarding what the 'black box' converters actually do. If you know alot about how the HPT box works or what exactly those converter box's do please pm me! Also pm me if you know anything about any other DIY projects for open source tuning LS1s.or the old freeware!
Flashing the PCM through the port to reprogram it is the biggest thing I think. Otherwise I believe you could use tunerpro if you write an xdf. Years ago I was involved in LS1 tuning at work. What I did was modified an '0411 PCM to use a ziiff socket in place of the soldered on flash chip. This was for development, customers cars had their flash chip desoldered and the read in an eprom programmer. We then burned a calibration and re-soldered the chip.
I had it down to under 20 minutes to pull a pcm, crack it open, R&R the chip close it back up, re-install in car and drive. Working directly with the chip is a PITA,but it can be done. I sure am not about to pay per car to tune, no way no how! Consequently I haven't done any OBD2 stuff in a LONG time. I'm not even sure if there is a commented disassembly available for LS1's yet?
Flashing the PCM through the port to reprogram it is the biggest thing I think. Otherwise I believe you could use tunerpro if you write an xdf. Years ago I was involved in LS1 tuning at work.
What I did was modified an '0411 PCM to use a ziiff socket in place of the soldered on flash chip. This was for development, customers cars had their flash chip desoldered and the read in an eprom programmer. We then burned a calibration and re-soldered the chip. I had it down to under 20 minutes to pull a pcm, crack it open, R&R the chip close it back up, re-install in car and drive. Working directly with the chip is a PITA,but it can be done. I sure am not about to pay per car to tune, no way no how! Consequently I haven't done any OBD2 stuff in a LONG time.
I'm not even sure if there is a commented disassembly available for LS1's yet? That's pretty interesting about the chips and the '0411 PCM. I am indeed interested in flashing the PCM thru the port as most of today's purchased systems would do. But I also agree in not wanting to pay per car to tune.there's gotta be another way. My friend and I are currently working on the software aspect so hopefully I can have something usable once its done. I'm sure alot of people on here would be interested! Just gotta figure out how to interface with those black box converters and cables now!
Working directly with the chip is a PITA,but it can be done. I sure am not about to pay per car to tune, no way no how! Consequently I haven't done any OBD2 stuff in a LONG time. I'm not even sure if there is a commented disassembly available for LS1's yet?
Im still using this method for my vortec blackbox. Takes about 4-5 minutes to do a reflash. In many ways I like the blackbox OS a lot better since its more intuative than the 411 and easier to tune. The locations a bit of a problem, though, since it invites passengers and tire changers to fiddle with it. Im still using this method for my vortec blackbox.
Takes about 4-5 minutes to do a reflash. In many ways I like the blackbox OS a lot better since its more intuative than the 411 and easier to tune. The locations a bit of a problem, though, since it invites passengers and tire changers to fiddle with it. Thats the same kinda ziff socket we used on the 0411. Okay for development, but it seems real vulnerable if you leave it there for too long. I didnt download your 0411 XDF's yet, but I did take a look at the parameter list. Eventually when I do jump into 0411 tuning I expect that I'll probably be making a super simplified version of the XDF just to keep from geting into information overload.
But seriously, when the shop I was working in started reprogramming LS1's we didnt have to change very much at all to get them to run right. They seem to self adjust really well. EMI doesnt seem to be an issue, but one zap of static and its toast. At some point I do want to get the '411 in there instead so it can go behind the dash. My tuning experience was more of disabling lots of stuff to just get the essentials. Much of whats there either cant be tuned easily, or isnt needed.
That was my experience with the vortec black box. It runs real good with the core fueling and spark logic. I did have to add a few things for transient fueling, though, as the blackbox had no compensation for intake port wetting. The first time I drove it the engine would just fall flat on its face when it was cold.
The '411 has it, but its set up as a 1st order model of the effect of wall wetting rather than just a set of tables to provide compensation. Since its based on the ELM-327, it probably could be made to work. Basically what I have in mind is just a stand-alone interface that allows the uploading and downloading of flash segments. The intel flash chip itself is surprisingly easy to use, so internally its not much work on the PCM side. The main issue is actually handling the interface, and writing the software to do the OBD comm.
If I understand correctly it would be very similar to the winflash program for tunercat. It just reads the pcm and and writes just like the older obd 1 system used a prom reader. If I understand correctly it would be very similar to the winflash program for tunercat.
It just reads the pcm and and writes just like the older obd 1 system used a prom reader Basically. I dont think it needs to be anything really complicated.
Basically the program should allow the address spans for each block to be defined so the appropriate part of the bin can be selected for uploading. The main driving factor behind the need to define the sections is the fact that the flash chip can only be erased in blocks.
The flash chip is only guaranteed for 1000 flash cycles, so Im also thinking of including anti-wear logic as well. Bits can only be changed from a 1 to a 0 (1 to 1 is allowed, but not actually performed). Trying to go from 0 to 1 is not possible, and results in an error. If no 0's need to be changed to 1's, then the flash chip can be programmed w/o a reflash. Saves time, and also limits wear and tear. Kinda surprising theyre only good for a thousand cycles, but I guess that was the trade-off for the rigorous operating requirements. From what Ive seen, this does rear its ugly head in the portion of the chip thats used by the PCM to store data after shut-down.
The few intel pulls that Ive messed with seem to have bad bits in that area from use. I think AMD's chip is good for a lot more cycles if someones a tune-a-haulic and constantly makes changes.
Free Ls1 Tuning Software Download
Have to check if its pin for pin compatible, though. The other features will be things like flash resume if the connection is lost, but the PCM is still in the reflash mode, and write protection for the OS sector to prevent an unintentional erase. The OS should be accessible as well, but only if its being done deliberately to update or change something in the OS. You guys are fun to 'listen' to.well unfortunately this is the pace things tend to have when you're not getting payed to develop them. Anywho, here is a pic of things I've recently acquired from a friend: I'll be replicating some of the cables and building them myself so I can return these ASAP.
There are a couple level shift devices, UART/CAN-Bus items, a few power supplies for bench testing the PCM. An older HP tuners.black box. which I'm particularly interested in.and a blue side LS1 PCM connector rigged with the power/ground/signal wires required to read/write data.since we don't care about anything else on a bench setup. This way I can test everything with my laptop in the comfort of my house instead of the car lol.
The most interesting item is the VSI-Class2 GM OEM box. I believe that is the J1850 OBD2 standard to Serial, with the converter box. You may see some of those boxes on ebay once in a while, but they are typically not found outside of GM's engineering walls from what I understand. They were often used at the proving grounds with the engineering software to program PCMs.its a much more ugly interface than HP tuners or EFI Live.
Hopefully this weekend I can get the rig entirely set up and start working. A close coworker of mine was an engineer at GM for 15 years and has extensive knowledge of the LS1 PCM. We think the toughest part to figure out will be the seed/key relationship that the 'black box' and the PCM have. Using the GM tool first to determine how it writes to the flash chip using factory software will allow us to see what the software calls out for and what it receives in return from the PCM. The HP tuners 'box' works in much the same way as the OEM tool from GM's engineers.so if someone at HP can do it.why not us.well unfortunately this is the pace things tend to have when you're not getting payed to develop them.
Anywho, here is a pic of things I've recently required from a friend: I'll be replicating some of the cables and building them myself so I can return these ASAP. There are a couple level shift devices, UART/CAN-Bus items, a few power supplies for bench testing the PCM. An older HP tuners.black box. which I'm particularly interested in.and a blue side LS1 PCM connector rigged with the power/ground/signal wires required to read/write data.since we don't care about anything else on a bench setup. This way I can test everything with my laptop in the comfort of my house instead of the car lol. The most interesting item is the VSI-Class2 GM OEM box. I believe that is the J1850 OBD2 standard to Serial, with the converter box.
You may see some of those boxes on ebay once in a while, but they are typically not found outside of GM's engineering walls from what I understand. They were often used at the proving grounds with the engineering software to program PCMs.its a much more ugly interface than HP tuners or EFI Live. Hopefully this weekend I can get the rig entirely set up and start working.
A close coworker of mine was an engineer at GM for 15 years and has extensive knowledge of the LS1 PCM. We think the toughest part to figure out will be the seed/key relationship that the 'black box' and the PCM have. Using the GM tool first to determine how it writes to the flash chip using factory software will allow us to see what the software calls out for and what it receives in return from the PCM. The HP tuners 'box' works in much the same way as the OEM tool from GM's engineers.so if someone at HP can do it.why not us. Or you could buy an AVT-852 box and cable, then it would be up to software and that's pretty close if not working on DelcoHacking. IIRC the XDF and ADX is already done. The AVT-852 box sales are restricted for private sales from manufacturer, but I'm sure TunerPro qaulifies and could remedy that?
The AVT would be the easiest thing, but someone would need to be qualified as a reseller to purchase as far as I know. Im thinking of looking into getting one, or maybe see if theyd be interested in letting me evaluate a unit and then sell them on a small scale once I've made a basic interface. Command and conquer generals iso cd25. Really thats the last thing thats needed. Just haven't had a lot of time in the past few months to work on it. Been working 10-12 hour days, and with 2 hours of commuting each day, there's not much time left for anything else but work. Its certainly possible to develop a complete interface within the community here, but the time needed to handle all of the OBD hardware level stuff could get pretty time consuming for a developer. Unfortunately I haven't been able to tinker much recently due to work obligations.
However, I currently use the GM OEM software from their proving grounds division, they are engineering tools. I can scan/log and pull down, modify, and re-upload calibrations into the PCM for free. I've done it multiple times with my LS1 and it works fine.
It's very barebones and not pretty on the eyes lol.thats where a GUI like HPtuners comes in handy With this software there is actually a way to modify the block within the calibration that contains your PCMs VIN.once you've done that I've heard you can change PCM vins to match that of a 'payed for' Hptuners vin on someones HP box.and therefor tune unlimited vehicles/pcms by tricking the HP box into thinking its always the same car. Of course I'm sure this voids some sort of agreement between HP and the box owner(lawsuit?).but people suspect they 'mate' your PCM to the HP box with a unique code thats just a result of a function inputting your VIN. Once the reading/flashing stuff is figured out, I (or someone with some programming experience) can write a TunerPro v5 plug-in to do that work, and that should round out what's needed for basic tuning using TunerPro. Recently(with my coworker) I went thru some of the basics of development that GM electrical engineers went through to develop the control system and capabilities of the LS1/3800 PCMs. I have reference guides and other information regarding the exact commands and J1850/GM Class 2 standard communication language for pulling down CALs and re-programming CALs from the PCM.
Unfortunately my method is from the GM factory and they used to flash the ENTIRE memory block with a whole new CAL, so it took a few minutes to flash.where-as today's HPtuners can pick variables and bits and change them quickly on the fly or even real-time tune.I don't have that capability. I believe I've got the tools/information necessary to help anyone working on a project, as I should be able to get the necessary commands for programming/erasing.
Secondly, i have the Seed/key information which was the linchpin for a lot of these DIY projects years ago. I currently have the seed/key relationship for all Warren99 PCMs(LS1), Flint97 and 98(3800) vintage as well which basically lets you authenticate yourself to the PCM before issuing commands. Ditto on work. I signed on with an oil and gas exploration company a year ago, working as an engineer for their division that makes nuclear detectors for wireline and measuring while drilling. Cool job, but I've been basically working 50-60 hour weeks all last year and this year.
That and they sent me all over the country on travel. Car sat languishing in the garage all summer without even being touched. Work is lightening up a bit, so I've been getting back into messing with the DIY OBD-II/flashing.
I picked up an AVT-852, and Im hoping to write a basic flash interface that will allow unlocking and uploading flash sectors edited with TP RT. I have all the internal CPU32 software needed for communicating with the PCM and interfacing/reflashing the intel chip that I reversed from the LS1 PCM. After I clean it up a bit, I can post it for people to work with. Its pretty much fully commented, so it can be used to construct a kernal that will run in the PCM.
The pcm needs 4x speed to load the kernal that resides on the pcm. Thus elm/stn/every other device that doesnt support 4x is no good.
Thus far the AVT is the best option. Im really surprised the other cable makers arnt rushing to get this support in to get the 0411 market as soon as it opens up! Vins are easy enough to rewrite via a proper API in the pcm, but there is also a hardware serial number which the same API rejects changes to. Thats not to say its impossible, but I wont be going there as my plan is to create a legal flashing tool that can read and write bins, so we can use tunerpro and the adx/xdf files that already exist (and make more). AFAIK the HPT realtime stuff doesnt rewrite parts of the flash, it copies a couple of the most needed tables to ram on bootup, and runs from and saves edits to ram. Then you read it back to the pc when your done, and when the pcm is powered down changes are lost (but are still on the pc).
Then you do a full flash process to save the new tables permanently.